Multilayer Paper System

ABSTRACT

A multilayer paper system that allows a user to write or fill in forms while non-users are unable to see what is written through the use of a first layer privacy screen with embedded micro-louvers, a second color change layer with microencapsulated dye, and a stylus type pen that causes color change to occur on the second layer while reducing the ability for those next to or around the person to discern what is written on the sheet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/341,353 filedJul. 25, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,358,761 issued on Jun. 7, 2016, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/946,864 filed onMar. 2, 2014, the entirety of which are each expressly incorporated byreference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present novel technology relates generally to the field of scannableresponse forms, and, more particularly, to a multilayer paper systemthat allows a user to write or fill in forms while non-users are unableto see what is written.

BACKGROUND

Scannable forms enable rapid monitoring of items, and permits morefrequent record keeping or testing than might otherwise be achieved ifan operator had to check the forms manually. One manner in whichscannable forms are used is to score scholastic test results. Theseforms are ideal for test taking because the preprinted forms save timefor an operator grading student response forms, and are available at arelatively low cost. However, while in use, these forms do not provideany privacy or protection from the view of others; thus, academicintegrity is a concern.

Although it is known to employ various methods to reduce or diminishacademic dishonesty on exams (i.e., monitoring exams with proctors,prohibiting talking or any form of communication, using various versionsof the test with the questions scrambled), a cost effective manner ofensuring academic integrity during test taking that utilizes scannableforms has not been successfully employed in a manner that hides the testtakers responses from anyone other than those within a predeterminedvisibility range, while being durable for reuse.

There is a need for an improved system that may be utilized withscannable forms that reduces the ability for those next to or around thetest taker from discerning what is written on the form. The presentnovel technology addresses this need.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side exploded view of a multilayer paper system according toa first embodiment of the present novel technology.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrating ascannable form.

FIG. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of the novel technology.

DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thenovel technology and presenting its currently understood best mode ofoperation, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of thenovel technology is thereby intended, with such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated device and such further applications ofthe principles of the novel technology as illustrated therein beingcontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe novel technology relates.

FIGS. 1-2 represent a first embodiment of the present novel technology,a paper system 10 that generally contains multiple layers (or singlelayer with multiple functionality) for allowing a user to write or fillin forms 40 while non-users are unable to see what is written. The papersystem 10 typically includes a first thin privacy screen layer 20 and asecond color change layer 30, generally bound or temporarily connectedwhile in use. The first thin privacy screen layer 20 typically containsembedded micro-louvers 25, or the like, that allow transparency from anincident viewing angle typically around 90 degrees, although otherviewing angles may allow transparency, but provide an opaque surface tomore oblique viewing angles. The screen layer 20 acts much like Venetianblinds or some computer monitor screens, but is much thinner. The secondlayer 30 includes microencapsulated color changing agent 30 (which maybe a dye, solution, single or, binary system, heat activated, or thelike). Sufficient pressure on the second layer 30 selectively rupturesmicroencapsulated ink, dye or the like that results in a readable imageon the color change layer 30 and, typically, on the form 40 locatedbelow and in contact with the color change layer 30. In someembodiments, the color change layer 30 is unitary with the form 40.

In use, a user utilizes a stylus type pen to press or write on theprivacy filter 20. The resulting pressure forces a focused point of theprivacy screen 20 into the layers below 30 until the microcapsulesrupture and color change occurs in a focused area where the user appliedpressure. The pressure change will occur with force similar to that atthe tip of a pen when writing normally. Therefore, the color changesheets will not react with tighter pressure during production, printing,from nip-pressure when holding the paper, or from scanning. Whilewriting, the user's viewing point will be above the paper 10 within anangle range of about 20% which will allow him or her to see the colorchange instantly as if writing. However, the privacy screen'smicro-louvers will reduce the ability for those next to or around theperson to discern what is written on the sheet. In one example, thevisibility (transmittance) for a viewer within the predetermined rangeis between 50% and 100% whereas the visibility for a viewer outside thepredetermined range is between 0% and 50%.

All layers of the product 10 are typically bound or temporarilyconnected while in use, but can be separated easily after use. The colorchange sheet 30 may then be seen without the use of the privacy filter20, or other layers. The form sheet 40 may then be fed into a scanner,copier or other machine, to perform OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) orcopying without causing the sheet to change color more. In someembodiments, the color change layer 30 includes inks or dyes that haveinfrared absorbing and/or reflecting components so as to be morecompatible with OMR systems. Text or other indicia may be printed on oneor both of the privacy filter later and the color change layer. Examplesof such printing may include fill in answer bubbles, boxes, ovals, andthe like as well as lines or spaces for filing out identifyinginformation such as name, student number, date, and the like. Formscreated for uses other than testing may include different printing asdesired.

Another embodiment of the novel technology is shown in FIG. 3. In thisparticular embodiment, a multilayer scannable form 100 is being viewedby two different viewers 130, 150 from two different viewing angles 120,140. If an imaginary line 110 is drawn normal to the surface of the form100 (i.e., at a 90 degree angle), then line 125 represents the viewingangle of viewer 130 and line 145 represents the viewing angle of viewer150. In this particular example, angle 120 is about 20 degrees makingthe viewing line 125 of viewer 130 about 70 degrees and angle 140 isabout 45 degrees making the viewing line 145 of viewer 150 about 45degrees. Viewer 130 would be able to view form 100 and anything writtenthereon normally because viewing angle 120 is within the 20% viewingangle range of the form 100. Viewer 150, however, would have an obscuredor diminished view of anything written on form 100 as the viewing angle140 falls outside of the viewing angle range of the form 100. In otherexamples forms may have a wider or narrower viewing range as desired.

While the novel technology has been illustrated and described in detailin the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be consideredas illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood thatthe embodiments have been shown and described in the foregoingspecification in satisfaction of the best mode and enablementrequirements. It is understood that one of ordinary skill in the artcould readily make a nigh-infinite number of insubstantial changes andmodifications to the above-described embodiments and that it would beimpractical to attempt to describe all such embodiment variations in thepresent specification. Accordingly, it is understood that all changesand modifications that come within the spirit of the novel technologyare desired to be protected.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multilayer paper system, comprising: a firstthin privacy screen layer with embedded micro-louvers; a second colorchanging layer including microencapsulated agent; wherein a stylus typepen is used to impress or write on the privacy screen layer.
 2. Themultilayer paper system of claim 1 wherein the first thin privacy screenlayer is a material generally between around 0.1-0.7 MM.
 3. Themultilayer paper system of claim 1 wherein the second layer is separablefrom the first layer such that the second layer can be scanned afterseparation.
 4. The multilayer paper system of claim 1 wherein thevisibility reducing filter allows for anything viewed through the filterto be discernable within a predetermined range of angles, but notdiscernable at angles outside of the predetermined range.
 5. Themultilayer paper system of claim 1 wherein the visibility(transmittance) within the predetermined range is between 50% and 100%and the visibility outside the predetermined range is between 0% and50%.
 6. The multilayer paper system of claim 1 wherein permanent colorchange will occur in less than 30 seconds.
 7. The multilayer papersystem of claim 1 wherein the color changing layer reacts to a normalwriting pressure.
 8. The multilayer paper system of claim 1 wherein thecolor changing layer comprises a dye.
 9. The multilayer paper system ofclaim 1 wherein the color changing layer is a substrate containingmicrocapsules which contain a color forming solution.
 10. The multilayerpaper system of claim 1 wherein the resulting color change can be readvia OMR devices.
 11. A scannable response form, comprising: a firstlayer comprising a visibility-reducing filter allowing for viewingtherethrough within a predetermined range of viewing angles and reducedvisibility when viewing from other angles; a second layer comprisingpressure-sensitive microencapsulated dye; wherein pressure applied tothe first layer causes microencapsulated dye in the second layer torupture and leave a mark in the second layer.
 12. The scannable responseform of claim 11, wherein the predetermined range of viewing angles isfrom 70 degrees to 90 degrees.
 13. The scannable response form of claim11, wherein the first layer further includes preprinted indicia.
 14. Thescannable response form of claim 11, wherein the second layer furtherincludes preprinted indicia.
 15. The scannable response form of claim11, wherein the pressure required to rupture the microencapsulated dyein the second layer is the pressure normally exerted when writing. 16.The scannable response form of claim 11, wherein the first layer and thesecond layer are separable such that the second layer can be read usingan OMR device.